Methylene blue in renal calculi. Results of five-year study

Methylene blue in a dose of 65 mg. three times a day has been reported to be useful in the management of chronic renal calculous disease. Sixty-eight patients with renal calculi, in whom there was no biochemical abnormality, were started on this drug five or more years ago. Forty-six per cent of formers of calcium oxalate stone have passed no further stones, and 20 per cent have been improved. Initial studies had reported success in the management of infected stones. However, only 27 per cent obtained any benefit in this study. Methylene blue is useful in the management of patients who form multiple small calculi that contain calcium oxalate dihydrate and may be useful in the prevention of new stone formation.